Interview for the BBC...

Dragon_

So, this is a bit different.

In a nutshell..

Made a comment on 'Your Voice, Your Vote' (BBC news story).

The comment was about how we, on benefits, have no idea what's going to happen in the next government in relation to benefits and the clear lack of support for people on the sick etc.

A producer then made contact..

After I spoke with them, they are sending a film crew to me so I can put my question to the government! AND.. Their colleagues at BBC Radio and BBC Website would also like to do an extended interview on my experiences!! (yep, I'm ****ing myself 😂)

But... There's a catch..

I've just come out of about 60 week DWP PIP Review. I thought about it every day. It really affected me negatively.

I was granted the higher rate for both points.

I'm about to take delivery of my first ever car. (I'm in my 40's, late learner, nearly 30st, 6ft, never go out). So, that is huge!

I'm starting to let things go in relation to the dwp review. Starting to focus on getting better. I'm also coming to the end of step 4 therapy (quicker if you Google what that is).

So, on the review I stated things such as 'can't talk on the phone' 'can't do busy places' 'very easily stressed out over minor things' etc.

And, I've been into media most my life. So I know how huge, how monumental and how rare this opportunity is.

But, there's a high chance the dwp will see it. And I'm pretty sure that won't go down well.

So, what do I do?

Cancel doing it?

Or go ahead with it?

I've got until Monday morning to decide.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Also, I'm not making this for the potential of people sharing their political views.

Cantilip

Go for it! You have been granted the higher rates. You also have contacts with the BBC. If the DWP so much as touch a hair on your head it's straight back to the BBC. But I don't think even the DWP can change an award based on their blessed criteria because of an interview.

Meg24

There should be no pressure on you to identify yourself if you don't want to, I would ask to be filmed in shadow and voiced by an actor with your name changed. If they query why you can just say that being recognised in public would cause you distress and be a risk to your MH. Good luck if you go ahead and thank you.

If you decide not to do it I would totally understand, I hope you don't feel pressure from anyone to do something you're not comfortable with. Don't forget the disability charities are there to speak for us, that's their job.

Dragon_

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/873500#Comment_873500

Yea, I guess that's true. But still, there's a risk. Even if it's a minor risk, compared to not doing it and there being zero risk. It's still something that I need to consider.

Thanks for your input, it's greatly appreciated.
I'm going stir crazy trying to figure out what I want to do. So far, I'm at about 95% a 'no thanks'.

Dragon_

I never thought about that. Not sure how they'd take it as it's kind of a public vs. the government in relation to the current mental health services. But still, I'm aware I have the right to ask to be anonymous.

Good point regarding mental health charities. The only thing I'd say to that is that this 'interview' would bypass 99% of the logistical route in doing it solo. This goes straight 'to the top' as they'd say. Is that something I want to miss out on?

My future career path is in mental health support too. So, there's that to consider in this mess of a situation.

Thanks for your input :)

Cantilip

"My future career path is in mental health support." Ah. Uh. Having spent a lifetime working in the NHS I'd actually think that was more of a problem than the DWP. Effectively you would be a whistleblower and whistleblowers are not loved. The NHS thinks it's GCHQ. Of course patient information is confidential. Of course the antics of incompetent managers are not.

Amaya_Ringo

I admire you for putting your views and comments forward like that. I've hesitated lots of times because of the need to identify myself and I 100% understand the fear of the DWP. But at the same time, I agree that having the BBC involved makes it harder for them to act against you (also as mentioned you can anonymise).

It's so rare for anyone in the media to care about a disabled perspective, especially those who have experienced the hell of the PIP process and are still traumatised. It's up to you what you do, but well done for going this far.

Dragon_

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/873628#Comment_873628

I think you've misread my post.

I wouldn't be a whistleblower, I would simply be asking the government to be more open with what their plans are in relation to the benefit system. Just a general question from someone in the system and is worried about what changes may be coming. That's all.

Thanks for your comment anyway.

Dragon_

Yep, I agree. Which adds to the pressure of this. The fact that, when do the BBC ever ask the people who are on the system, who know the system and the problems it has (from a client pov)… and, when does that go directly (potentially) to the heads of government? Not very often. It's an incredible possibility for me to possibly voice the views of others (I see a lot of how other people think about this topic, but I remain in a neutral position. If that makes sense.

I don't want to use this as some sort of political platform against those who make the decisions, I don't want anything to do with the political side of it tbh, even watching the original video was a one off for me. I think it was the first political related media I'd watched tbh. I'd just like to state my views on the matter. I just don't want to suffer any repercussions from it. And on that note…

This has already triggered several anxiety attacks and one wonderful nightmare!! :/ That being directly what I don't want to 'acquire' from this.

And importantly, thank you. Seriously, thank you for your kind words, they mean a lot. I hope whatever challenges you face in relation to your identity get sorted as soon as possible and in a way that is better for you. I love that everyone is unique and fully support those that try to live their own life for who they are and what they want to achieve. So, I wish you all the best :)

Dragon_

You're not the first to say that. A friend said the same and they do have a point.

The bad part of that is, that I like to give people and organizations the benefit of the doubt. I'm an optimist, I guess you could say. So, even though I know the potential risks of me saying something.. I hope that whoever from the dwp see's that what I said on my review, was the entire truth. And then there's the potential of what it 'could' do. It could help so many people. I have ideas, plans, things going around in my head that would make me perfect for helping to sort out the logistical issues the government, nhs and other agencies face regarding mental health. But then there's my mental health…

I can't speak to companies on the phone about utilities / bills. I can't go out and do my shopping. I can't cook due to trauma, I can't even make a cup of tea, can't wash clothes, housework (although I am trying with that at the minute but again because of trauma it slows things right down). I'm very lucky to have my girlfriend who does all of that, and then some, for me.

Busy places… nope.. not a chance in hell. Conflicts, interactions, planning, executing those plans, everything is a no. As I say to people, it's like someone hit the 'reset' button on my life! Absolutely destroyed everything of who I am and what I stood for. (I could easily go on, but I won't, lol).

I will add though, that I AM pushing myself. Well out of my comfort zone. In very difficult therapy. Yea, it's not easy. Far from it. That of course being a huge worry that whoever at the dwp might get the wrong idea and punish me for it. Opening up months of court action, tribunals, letter writing, admin, aggravation, stress… etc. I just can't take that again. Any more. Not now. That would be catastrophic to my 'life'.

I'm going on, aren't I.. sorry, haha

Thanks for your comment and your views on this. It means a lot :)

Dragon_

And to echo, the anonymous suggestion is something I'm seriously debating on asking the BBC when I speak to them on Monday.

Thanks again for that :)

WhatThe

The real question is do you expect to get a satisfactory answer to your question? 🤔

Only you know whether there's any risk to your mental health from doing this. Could you offer a written statement instead or a telephone interview? I wouldn't want a camera crew in my home! If this opportunity could benefit your career and you can cope at such short notice then go for it.

Congratulations on maintaining those awards and for all the progress you've made.

Dragon_

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/873760#Comment_873760

And this is exactly why I posted on here! Thank you for that point, one I hadn't even considered as yet.

I have no idea if I'd get a satisfactory answer, but I'd hazard a guess at probably not? Good point though. Definitely up there with the other primary considerations.

As for the personal impact on my mental health, as I replied to another person on here, it already is affecting me in a negative way. Not something I ever wanted or needed. But then again, this isn't exactly something I thought would ever happen, haha! Huge choice to make in the next few hours. Nervous as hell lol

Not sure what you mean with the 'awards' part? I assume with 'progress' you mean in other replies where I've said how I'm pushing myself, is that what you meant? Either way, thank you :)

MW123

@DragonGaming

Participating in the BBC 'Your Voice, Your Vote' initiative is a significant decision with potential consequences for your privacy and personal life. The initiative requires participants to disclose their identity, which could lead to unwanted attention and criticism as your story is shared widely across various media platforms, potentially impacting your privacy and personal life.

Additionally, the BBC has control over the final presentation and editing of your contribution, potentially altering your original intentions and message. To help you make an informed decision, I encourage you to review the BBC's terms and conditions [link] and privacy statement [link] below before participating. It's important to make a decision that aligns with your comfort level and priorities.

https://downloads.bbc.co.uk/england/pdf/bbc-nations-and-local-your-voice-your-vote-rules-2024.pdf
https://downloads.bbc.co.uk/england/pdf/bbc-nations-and-local-your-voice-your-vote-privacy-notice-2024.pdf

WhatThe

*congratulations on maintaining/securing your PIP awards and the progress you've made with your recovery*

Dragon_

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/873833#Comment_873833

Thank you for that.

In light of the realisation that I've unknowingly submitted an application to this story / opportunity with the BBC, I have sent an email asking for my original comment, application and all personal details to be retractedand removed.

This process has already had a huge detrimental effect on my already fragile, mental health, which is exactly what I actively try to avoid.

Thank you everyone for your comments on this matter. I greatly appreciate it.

Jimm_Scope

I would hope they could have offered an anonymised option. Also, undertaking something of strong importance to your own detriment does not argue that it doesn't count towards PIP. There are things I endure/go through that I must do that affects me enough that it still counts towards PIP. Of course the DWP could try to make the argument that it does, which I am sure would be a headache.

Meg24

I agree there should be a default anonymised option, otherwise they are basically gatekeeping the route to vulnerable people getting their voices heard. True journalists would never want to restrict their sources in this way, which begs the question, what are the BBC interested in doing exactly? It reminds me of the DWP, arguing that because they don't receive many complaints that we must all be thrilled with their service, as if any of us want to prolong our contact with them beyond the absolutely necessary...

MW123

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/873919#Comment_873919

@DragonGaming

I believe you've made a wise decision in choosing not to invite the BBC film crew into your home. From what I've observed, media portrayals, particularly in debate contexts, frequently fail to depict individuals with disabilities with the dignity and empathy they warrant. It's disheartening to witness how these productions can exploit participants, claiming to support them while ultimately exposing them to harsh public scrutiny and misinterpretation. Unfortunately, such situations seldom conclude positively in the court of public opinion.

Dragon_

Thank you everyone.

Cantilip

Bit late to the party here, sorry, caught up in something, just to say @dragon_gaming sorry, yes, misread post